Shaman's staff - Melanesia or Indonesia ?

colin henshaw · 23rd October 2012, 12:30 PM

Hi

I got this long carved stick a little while ago....not a weapon as such, but maybe could be used for defence in case of necessity. I think its probably a shaman or diviner's staff but not sure whether Admiralty Islands, Timor or Dayak origin ?

Has anyone seen anything similar - perhaps one of our South East Asian specialists can help out ? The staff has been varnished at some time in the past, unfortunately.

Thanks in advance.

David · 23rd October 2012, 02:31 PM

I've seen something similar that was supposedly from Timor, so you might be right on with that guess.

Tim Simmons · 23rd October 2012, 05:43 PM

Staff are derived from weapons. I think they are often of more importance. For obvious reasopns like the carrier tells othesr where to go and fight. I think you are spot on about Admiralty Islands and western Islands. Great find!!! I will try and find the time to upload some pictures of similar repesentations of the human form from the area.

colin henshaw · 24th October 2012, 08:57 AM

Thanks to David and Tim for their input on this piece. Tim - I look forward to any pictures and references you can find, much appreciated.

Despite its relatively small size, the carved figure has a powerful and commanding presence, which suits the staff's purpose I suppose. Also like the way the ears are represented by incised triangles which are mirrored in the carved areas on the shaft.

Regards.

23rd October 2012, 12:30 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Shaman's staff - Melanesia or Indonesia ? Hi I got this long carved stick a little while ago....not a weapon as such, but maybe could be used for defence in case of necessity. I think its probably a shaman or diviner's staff but not sure whether Admiralty Islands, Timor or Dayak origin ? Has anyone seen anything similar - perhaps one of our South East Asian specialists can help out ? The staff has been varnished at some time in the past, unfortunately. Thanks in advance. Attached Images

23rd October 2012, 02:31 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	I've seen something similar that was supposedly from Timor, so you might be right on with that guess.

23rd October 2012, 05:43 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	Staff are derived from weapons. I think they are often of more importance. For obvious reasopns like the carrier tells othesr where to go and fight. I think you are spot on about Admiralty Islands and western Islands. Great find!!! I will try and find the time to upload some pictures of similar repesentations of the human form from the area.

24th October 2012, 08:57 AM	#4
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Thanks to David and Tim for their input on this piece. Tim - I look forward to any pictures and references you can find, much appreciated. Despite its relatively small size, the carved figure has a powerful and commanding presence, which suits the staff's purpose I suppose. Also like the way the ears are represented by incised triangles which are mirrored in the carved areas on the shaft. Regards.